If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Tennessee, one of the most important things you can do is obtain a police report. This document plays a key role in ensuring that accurate details of the incident are recorded and can significantly help in your personal injury case. This guide will walk you through the steps to get a police report after a car accident in Tennessee, why it’s important, and how it can assist in securing the compensation you may deserve.
Why You Need To File a Police Report After a Car Accident
Filing a police report after a car accident is not just a legal formality — it’s an essential step that provides a written account of the accident. This report includes crucial details such as the time and location of the accident, the involved parties, and witness statements. It can serve as a cornerstone for building your case during negotiations or legal proceedings.
Even if you believe the accident to be minor, having a police report can help avoid potential disputes down the road. In Tennessee, reporting an accident to law enforcement is required if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage, so don’t skip this vital step.
Police Reports Contain Important Information
A police report typically includes key information that can be useful when negotiating your injury claim. This information may include:
- Date and time of the accident
- Weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Names and contact details of the involved parties and witnesses
- Officer’s account of the accident scene
- Any citations or charges issued to the parties involved
While police reports are generally not admissible as evidence in court due to their hearsay nature, they are still valuable in other parts of the legal process. They can support your recollection of events and provide contact information for witnesses who could testify on your behalf.
Police Reports Can Be Used for Negotiations, Not in Court
When you’re preparing for settlement negotiations, it’s essential to gather all of the relevant documents related to your case, including the police report. Although police reports aren’t admissible in court, they play a significant role in the negotiation process. Your attorney can use the information from the police report to strengthen your demand for compensation. The report may provide an objective summary of the accident details, witness statements, and any citations or violations issued at the scene, all of which can help demonstrate liability and support your claim during negotiations.
Before filing your personal injury lawsuit, your attorney will use this information to draft a demand letter. The letter will outline your injuries, summarize the facts of the case, and formally demand compensation.
While police reports are not admissible as evidence if your case goes to court because they are considered “hearsay,” they still serve as a valuable tool in settlements. This is because the information in police reports can be persuasive during negotiations with insurance companies or opposing counsel. Even though courts do not accept them as direct evidence, they can significantly influence settlement discussions by providing a clear, unbiased account of the incident.
How To Get a Copy of Your Crash Report
After a car accident in Tennessee, it’s important to obtain a copy of the police report, as it will contain essential details about the incident. Typically, the responding officer will provide you with a paper that includes your case number at the scene of the accident. If this doesn’t happen, be sure to ask the officer for it before leaving. With your case number, there are three ways to obtain your crash report:
1. How To Find a Police Report Online
One of the easiest ways to retrieve your crash report is by visiting the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s online portal. Using the case number provided by the officer, you can locate and download your report directly from the website. Keep in mind that there may be a small fee for accessing the report online.
2. How To Get a Police Report in Person
If you prefer to get your crash report in person, you can visit any Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) District Office. Make sure to bring your case number, and be prepared to pay any associated fees for obtaining the report. This option may be helpful if you need assistance or want a printed copy right away.
3. How To Request a Police Report by Mail
Another option is to request your crash report by mail. This method may take a bit longer, but it can be convenient if you’re unable to visit a district office in person or if online access is unavailable. Simply mail in your request along with your case number and any required fees to the appropriate law enforcement office.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Assistance
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact a local car accident lawyer in Chattanooga, Tennessee to help you with your case. Our team of experienced professionals at The McMahan Law Firm is proud to represent you and fight for the compensation you may deserve.
